Celebrate Earth Day with Magnolia Marsh

The Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy is celebrating Earth Day with events and the grand opening of the Magnolia Marsh.

The Magnolia Marsh is a 41-acre area of the wetlands that was cut off from the ocean for more than 100 years. The marsh was recently reconnected to the ocean with the removal of an earthen levee.

The $3.3-million project was funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

The event will celebrate the restoration of the third and final portion of the wetlands to its original state with guided tours by biologists, interactive booths and a short film about wetlands restoration.

Will Shadley, a child actor from “The Spy Next Door,” narrated the short film and will be giving autographs.

There will also be a live underwater “fishcam,” a steel drum band, giveaways and food for purchase.

Rehabilitated pelicans from the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center will be released, and a new observation deck will be open for the public.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, 21900 Pacific Coast Hwy.

— Britney Barnes